Washington City March 5 1849Mary,

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I have this day attended the inauguration of Gen. Taylor as President. The concourse of people was immense but all passed off & without accident.

About 7 o clock this evening I recd. a note from J. M. Clayton calling me immediately to the Presidents house, now possessed by Gen. Taylor, and I went and on going into the Presidents drawing room he directed me to go to the office. On my arrival there I found J. M. Clayton of Delaware, Sec. of State, Mr. meredith of Penn, Sec. of the Treasury, Mr Ewing of Ohio Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Preston of Virginia Sec. of Navy & Mr. Johnson of Maryland Atty. General, that is, those gentlemen had been selected by Gen. Taylor for those places

in his cabinet.

Mr. Clayton, the Secretary of State elect then informed me that Gen. Taylor had selected me for a place in the cabinet with the Office of Post Master General.

These appointments will be presented for confirmation to the Senate tomorrow and we shall immediately enter our duties. So you see I cannot return to you immediately. I was some time in consultation with those gentlemen before returning to my quarters and it is now late in the evening and I can say no more. I will soon write you further and more definitely, probably tomorrow or next day.

With my love and blessing to you all good night.

Your Affectionate HusbandJ. Collamer